Newsletter #1667

Match report and view tonight on the disappointment of the Blackburn game, a look at City’s England contribution and the usual requests including information on a couple of upcoming European games.

MATCH VIEW ‘LIVE’: MCFC 1 BRFC 1

City’s stuttering start continued with two more dropped points at home to Blackburn, sending us home in the rain to reflect on a very frustrating afternoon.

A ridiculous mix up between Joe Hart and Kolo Toure outside the City penalty area gifted a goal to Blackburn, leaving City playing catch up in the 2nd half until Patrick Vieira scored his 2nd goal in City colours. Unfortunately City lacked the killer instinct to put awkward opponents to the sword and claim the sort of win that top teams claim as a matter of routine.

Carlos Tevez passed a late fitness test on his damaged ankle, but Nigel de Jong missed out having sustained a knock with the last kick of training. Gareth Barry was given a rest after featuring for England in Basel but that didn’t stop City fans chanting “Come on England” in reference to the six City players who finished last Tuesday’s international victory in Switzerland.

Despite a disjointed first half which betrayed the fact that this City team is still bedding in, we still created a few first half chances. The greatest threat for City was provided by Adam Johnson, who was clearly our best player on the day. He tormented the Blackburn defence and thrilled the home support with jinking runs that cut inside and outside the Blackburn full back, and proved a menace all afternoon. The young winger had chances of his own and good work from Wright-Phillips and Milner played in Johnson down the right and his effort was saved by Robinson.

City’s shooting was a little wayward with Wright-Phillips and Johnson shooting wide, and Vieira heading over at a corner. Kompany went close with a header that was deflected away from Johnson’s corner. Just as it looked like City were building up a head of steam, a goal was gifted to the visitors.

A long, speculative Pedersen ball was hoofed down the pitch in quintessential Allardyce style. Toure, who had a chance to clear the ball, left it, sensing that Joe Hart was coming out at pace to clear. Unfortunately Hart failed to connect, leaving Rovers striker Kalinic an easy chance to roll the ball in from outside the box. The crowd rallied with a few ‘C’mon City’s. However, City were like the boxer caught with a powerful sucker punch, and were wobbling on the ropes for a brief minute or two. Indeed Blackburn could have made it 2-0 if Mame Biram Diouf had been more accurate with his finishing when presented with an easy chance in the City box.

With this let-off, and City heads clearing we set about Rovers again, but were thwarted before the break by good goalkeeping from Robinson as he saved a powerful Wright-Phillips shot after a clever pass from Tevez, and beat out a testing drive from Johnson. Whilst there were chances in that first period, City’s passing and movement had not been sharp enough leaving our build up laboured and predictable and we had been punished for a crass error.

Our cause was aided as Blackburn’s best defender, Ryan Nelson, had limped off after a typically committed tackle, with Olsson coming on his place and the impressive Givet moving into the centre.

Hope sprung eternal though, as City attacked with vigour in the second half, with Tevez and Johnson in the thick of the action. They combined with Tevez playing the England winger in and his goal-bound shot was well saved by Robinson, who was having a brilliant game. The ex-England goalkeeper, though, could do nothing about City’s equaliser. Vieira, who had looked off the pace, rolled back the years to drive into the box, and play a ball wide to Tevez who crossed into the centre for Vieira to sweep the ball high into the net.

City went all out for the winner but using a combination of defensive blocks and Robinson’s agility, Blackburn kept City out. Twice Tevez was thwarted, the second time after a clever pass from Johnson, then sub Barry’s shot was pushed round the post after more good work from the City winger. Again the Blackburn defence was on hand to deflect away Jo’s goal-bound shot after Tevez played him in.

It was mostly one way traffic except for an important Joe Hart save from Kalinic’s shot, but this was only brief respite for Rovers, who were clearly under instructions from their manager, Sam Allardyce, to waste time at every opportunity.

The Blackburn team deserve credit for their resolve, but their time wasting tactics were shameful. Whether it was deliberately trying to take throw-ins from the wrong place in order to waste time as the referee pushes them back, or kicking the ball away, Allardyce’s men cynically ran the clock down whenever they could in the 2nd half. Stupidly, Mark Clattenburg fell for it, only adding 4 minutes on at the end when he could easily have doubled it. He also missed several niggling fouls and mainly refused to book Blackburn players who committed more heinous crimes than the soft booking that he handed out to Vieira. If Mark Clattenburg does not know the rules and/or cannot concentrate enough to do his job properly then he should not be refereeing football matches at any standard.

Adam Johnson was switched over to the left flank and City should have had a penalty when he was brought down in the box after a scintillating run down the inside left channel, but referee Clattenburg inexplicably failed to award a spot kick. One sometimes wonders whether referees like Clattenburg want to keep the mainstream pundits and members of the $ky 4 happy with appalling decisions like that.

Whatever cheating went on from Blackburn, or whatever incompetence or otherwise we had to endure from the referee, City had the chances to win and didn’t take them. The best was Jo’s at the end after Tevez crossed from the right. Whilst the highly impressive Christopher Samba justifiably punched the air as if he’d scored himself after throwing his body in the way of Jo’s shot in the box, the Brazilian should have made it impossible to stop, as he was so well placed. City have to be more clinical when presented with chances. We also have to stop giving gifts away like this goal and the one at Sunderland. Indeed, a more ruthless streak is needed all over the pitch.

Att: 44,246

Ratings:
Hart: Too impetuous in the incident that cost us a goal. Needs to keep his eye on the ball 5
Richards: Steady enough but still needs to concentrate the whole time 6
Kolo Toure: The indecision in the mix up with Hart is the only blot on a decent performance 6
Kompany: Solid as ever 7
Lescott: Resolute in defence but is he good enough going forward? 6
Johnson: Another thrilling display of wing play on both flanks, and showed great tenacity to win the ball back when we lost it. City’s best player on the day 8
Milner: His passing and touch deserted him at times, but showed the character to keep going, stay in the game and put some good balls in 6
Vieira: Off the pace for much of his time but still managed to bring experience and nous when it was needed and most crucially, a goal 6
Yaya Toure: A good common sense performance. His muscle was important in City getting back into the game 6
Wright-Phillips: Stung the ‘keeper’s gloves with his rasping shot and was neat and tidy enough down the left. Needs to work harder on ball retention 6
Tevez: Passed a late fitness test to play and his creativity opened doors all afternoon, most crucially, for City’s equaliser 7
Subs:
Barry (for Vieira): Brought renewed verve and vigour to City’s midfield in the 2nd half 7
Jo (for SWP): Little contribution when he came on, and he should have scored at the end 5
Silva (for Johnson) n/a

Best Oppo: Paul Robinson: Numerous top drawer saves 8
Refwatch: Mark Clattenburg: A truly appalling referee. How could he miss so many fouls, in particular a blatant penalty? Suckered into Blackburn’s time wasting tactics. The worst referee in football by some distance who thoroughly deserved to be serenaded with ‘You’re not fit to referee’ 0 (Zero)

MATCH VIEW: MCFC 1 BRFC 1

A very frustrating game for Manchester City, who did enough to have won this game but Blackburn’s goalkeeper Robinson made some great saves to keep City struggling to get the winner. Samba, Blackburn’s defender was in very good form, as he kept City from scoring.

I know many City supporters and fans will be upset that the team did not win, especially at home.

So many people from City and around the world are saying “What is wrong with City after spending all that money?” The truth is that out of the new signings, Alex Kolarov, Jerome Boateng and Mario Balotelli are all injured, though this should not make much difference right now, for the players chosen to play in the team are very good players, they are players that have been chosen by Mancini to be in his list of 25.

David Silva needs more time on the pitch, so he can be more involved with the Premier League kind of play; he will get better with time. The City team will gel together as time goes on, Mancini needs all the players to be fit and ready for selection, then play his best team.

The goal against City today was a mix up by Joe Hart and Kolo Toure; Joe came way out too far from his goal, a rare mistake. It took old timer Vieira to get the equalizer; for all the attacking by City they just failed to get the winner, so we lost 2 points. We can’t say Blackburn did not deserve the draw, they hung in there to the end.

I don’t mean this as to any disrespect to Tevez, but I feel that Yaya Toure should be the captain: he is in midfield to see everything that is going on, and to take charge. Let Tevez have the freedom to move around, and to score goals without worrying about being captain.

It’s early days yet but we cannot afford to lose points if we are to earn a place in the Champions’ League next season.

Come on you Blues!

OPINION: SIX OF THE BEST

So City are “ruining football”, buying all these foreign players, eh? Just the six City players on the pitch in England shirts in the victory in Basel the other night, where Adam Johnson dazzled with his skill and his second goal in the last 2 internationals. What a talent he is turning out to be. Milner was very good on the left, Barry solid in midfield; Joe Hart looked the part despite a brief wobble in the 2nd half, Joleon Lescott did well at centre back, and Shauny managed an assist at the end after fluffing a cross. Personally I don’t care how many foreign players we sign or how many play in our first team as I want City to the best we can be. We can have 11 foreign players in the team if that is best for City. It is great, though, to see so many City players in an England shirt. Makes you proud, and credit must go to Roberto Mancini, Brian Marwood and our scouts for spotting and nurturing such talent. Our recruitment policy of buying the best young talent at home and abroad is starting to pay dividends.

It’s also pleasing to shut the critics up (even Martin “Captain Sanctimonious” Tyler couldn’t find anything negative to say about us in the Swiss game). I hope City can shut these cretins up on a more regular basis with our exploits on the pitch.

Come on City! Stick it to them.

OPINION: THE MISSING LINK?

It’s just a question but… last season, one of our best strikers (arguably our best) was not-so-young Craig. I’ll admit, not a player that I was keen on at first but he won me over with a combination of guts and dedication to the cause.

Now we aren’t scoring.
Carlos isn’t firing.
Manu has gone to sleep…
Is it coincidence?

Maybe…

REQUEST: JOE MERCER TALK IN LIVERPOOL

City fan Gary James will be talking about Joe Mercer’s life and football career at a special evening taking place in the Joe Mercer Suite at Goodison Park on Friday 24th September at 7 for 7.30pm. Although the talk is for Everton’s Historical Society, the content will be split between Joe’s playing career at Everton and Arsenal and his managerial career at City and England.

Gary will also provide some of his own memories of writing “Joe Mercer, OBE: Football With A Smile” and the stories of the interviews he performed with various City personalities including Malcolm Allison. Norah Mercer will be in attendance.

There will also be an opportunity for a Q&A session and, of course, Gary will sign copies of his book (available on the night at discounted rates).

Supporters of all Joe’s clubs are welcome. Admission £3.00, includes refreshments. Dress code: Smart casual… Please email to reserve your place <paulwhartonefc(at)btinternet.com>.

REQUEST: EUROPEAN TRIPS

Juventus vs. Manchester City
Thursday 16th December Kick Off 19:00CET

Our experience of Turin has determined the following itinerary; licensing restrictions normally apply on a match day in the city, especially when a British club is involved. Therefore, to maximise your leisure time, the trip works best being in the city the day before and departing after the game has finished. Below are the proposed approx times.

Depart Manchester approx. 09:30 hours on Wednesday 15th December, arrive Turin 12:20 hours, local time, transfer to our city centre hotels. We are currently awaiting full details of the hotels from our ground agent, in Turin. Remainder of day in Turin is free time.

Match Day Thursday 16th December: Day at leisure, coach transfer from hotel to stadium, pick up time TBC. At this point all bags will be loaded on to the coach, ready for departure after final whistle. Flight departs Turin 22:30 hours approx, arrive back into Manchester 23:30 approx.

Cost per person £295.00 4 star (based on twin share) £280.00 3 star (based on twin share) includes flights, taxes, hotel and airport transfers – Single Room Supplement – £40.00 pppn. No match ticket included.

Payment structure: £100 non refundable deposit per person to secure place, balance due starting the last week of November, strictly no later than 1st December.

Lech Poznan Thursday 4th November

Depart Manchester approx. 09:30 hours on Wednesday 3rd November, arrive Poznan 12:30 hours, local time, transfer to our city centre hotels. We are currently awaiting full details of the hotels from our ground agent, in Poznan. Remainder of day in Poznan is free time.

Match Day Thursday 4th November: Day at leisure, coach transfer from hotel to stadium, pick up time TBC. At this point all bags will be loaded on to the coach, ready for departure after final whistle. Flight departs Poznan 22:30 hours approx, arrive back into Manchester 00:30 approx.

Cost per person £295.00 4 star (based on twin share).

Payment structure: £100 non refundable deposit per person to secure place, balance due starting the last week of October, strictly no later than 31st October.

Bookings can be made via
Manchester Office 0161 775 7500
London Office 0844 887 1447

REQUEST: FOOTBALL SURVEY ON RIVALRY

Many thanks for taking the time to respond to my questionnaire. Please could you forward the link to the online questionnaire to any friends/family who are United fans. Looking to get about 500 City responses and currently on 120ish, so have a way to go yet!

Here is the link: http://FreeOnlineSurveys.com/rendersurvey.asp?sid=6vnmzlakygkfcjo802018

Thanks again and best wishes.

RESULTS

12 September 2010

Birmingham City       0 - 0  Liverpool             27,333

11 September 2010

Everton               3 - 3  Manchester United     36,556
Arsenal               4 - 1  Bolton Wanderers      59,876
Fulham                2 - 1  Wolverhampton Wndrs   25,280
Manchester City       1 - 1  Blackburn Rovers      44,246
Newcastle United      0 - 2  Blackpool             49,597
West Bromwich Albion  1 - 1  Tottenham Hotspur     23,642
West Ham United       1 - 3  Chelsea               33,014
Wigan Athletic        1 - 1  Sunderland            15,844

League table to 12 September 2010 inclusive

                              HOME          AWAY        OVERALL
                    P  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F  A  W  D  L  F   A   GD Pts
 1 Chelsea          4  2  0  0  8  0  2  0  0  9  1  4  0  0  17   1  16  12
 2 Arsenal          4  2  0  0 10  1  1  1  0  3  2  3  1  0  13   3  10  10
 3 Manchester Utd   4  2  0  0  6  0  0  2  0  5  5  2  2  0  11   5   6   8
 4 Blackpool        4  0  1  0  2  2  2  0  1  6  6  2  1  1   8   8   0   7
 5 Birmingham City  4  1  1  0  2  1  0  2  0  4  4  1  3  0   6   5   1   6
 6 Fulham           4  1  1  0  4  3  0  2  0  2  2  1  3  0   6   5   1   6
 7 Aston Villa      3  2  0  0  4  0  0  0  1  0  6  2  0  1   4   6  -2   6
 8 Manchester City  4  1  1  0  4  1  0  1  1  0  1  1  2  1   4   2   2   5
 9 Wolves           4  1  1  0  3  2  0  1  1  2  3  1  2  1   5   5   0   5
10 Sunderland       4  1  1  0  3  2  0  1  1  1  2  1  2  1   4   4   0   5
11 Tottenham H.     4  0  1  1  0  1  1  1  0  3  2  1  2  1   3   3   0   5
12 Bolton Wndrs     4  0  2  0  2  2  1  0  1  4  5  1  2  1   6   7  -1   5
13 Liverpool        4  1  1  0  2  1  0  1  1  0  3  1  2  1   2   4  -2   5
14 Newcastle Utd    4  1  0  1  6  2  0  1  1  1  4  1  1  2   7   6   1   4
15 Blackburn R.     4  1  0  1  2  2  0  1  1  2  3  1  1  2   4   5  -1   4
16 West Brom A.     4  1  1  0  2  1  0  0  2  0  7  1  1  2   2   8  -6   4
17 Wigan Athletic   4  0  1  2  1 11  1  0  0  1  0  1  1  2   2  11  -9   4
18 Everton          4  0  2  0  4  4  0  0  2  0  2  0  2  2   4   6  -2   2
19 Stoke City       3  0  0  1  1  2  0  0  2  1  4  0  0  3   2   6  -4   0
20 West Ham United  4  0  0  2  2  6  0  0  2  0  6  0  0  4   2  12 -10   0

MCIVTA FAQ [v1011.01]

[1] MCIVTA Addresses

Articles (Heidi Pickup)          : editor@mcivta.city-fan.org
News/rumour (Alex Rowen)         : news@mcivta.city-fan.org
Subscriptions (Madeleine Hawkins): subscriptions@mcivta.city-fan.org
Technical problems (Paul)        : paul@city-fan.org
FAQ (David Warburton)            : faq@mcivta.city-fan.org

[2] What are MCIVTA’s publishing deadlines?

Deadlines for issues are nominally 6pm, Monday and Thursday evenings by email. Unfortunately we cannot accept email attachments.

[3] MCIVTA Back Issues and Manchester City Supporters’ home page

http://www.mcivta.com/ is the unofficial Manchester City Supporters’ home page. Created in 1994, it is the longest running of the Manchester City related web sites. Back issues of MCIVTA are also hosted on the site. You can also follow on www.twitter.com/mcivta to get the latest updates.

[4] What is the club’s official web site?

The official club web site can be found at http://www.mcfc.co.uk/ and the official club Twitter page at www.twitter.com/mcfc. The club also has a facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/mcfcofficial

[5] What supporters’ clubs are there?

The Official Supporters’ Club and the Centenary Supporters’ Association have merged to become the Manchester City Supporters’ Club (http://www.mcfcsupportersclub.com/). The club also recognise the Manchester City Disabled Supporters’ Association (http://www.mcdsa.co.uk/).

[6] Where can I find out about Points of Blue?

The committee operates as an interface between supporters and the club. Points of Blue appears on the club website under the “Fans” heading (http://www.mcfc.co.uk/Fans).

[7] What match day broadcasts are available on the web?

Live match commentary can be found on the club website. The Radio Manchester pre- and post-match phone-in is available on the web at http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/manchester/hi/tv_and_radio/.

[8] Where can I find out if City are live on satellite TV?

http://www.satfootball.com/pl.html provides a listing of Premier League games being shown on UK domestic and foreign satellite channels. Useful sites for North American viewers are http://msn.foxsports.com/, http://www.soccertv.com/.

[9] Do we have a Usenet newsgroup?

Yes we do: uk.sport.football.clubs.man-city is our home on usenet. If you are not familiar with usenet, a basic explanation is available here: http://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/0,289893,sid9_gci213262,00.html

[10] Do any squad members have their own web pages?

There are a number available and direct links can be found at http://www.mcivta.com/players/

[11] Where can I find match statistics?

Statistics for the current season are available from the club site, but for a more in-depth analysis try http://www.mcfcstats.com/.

DISCLAIMER
The views expressed in MCIVTA are entirely those of the subscribersand there is no intention to represent these opinions as being thoseof Manchester City Football Club, nor of any of the companies anduniversities by whom the subscribers are employed. It is not inany way whatsoever connected to the club or any other relatedorganisation and is simply a group of supporters using this mediumas a means of disseminating news and exchanging opinions.

Heidi Pickup, editor@mcivta.city-fan.org

Editor: